I have driven past this small cafe several times, and always wanted to check it out. I finally did yesterday, with my granddaughter. The staff is very friendly and welcoming. It is VERY small inside, I was expecting a bit more room. If you sit outside, it is backed up to a junkyard/car repair place which is not very quiet or pleasant. We ordered the veggie burger with fries, and a beef burger with fries. They will not allow you to sub a salad for the fries. I saw rave reviews about the house made veggie burger, but personally, I was not impressed, and thought it was bland. The burgers were big, and difficult to eat, so we had to cut them up. The fries are also large & house made, and were good. I ordered a tossed salad with chicken to go for my husband. Chicken was good, salad was basic (tomato, avocados and onions). To put this in perspective, the food was on the expensive side, so we expected more. The bakery items are delicious. All together, for the 3 meals, 3 drinks and 2 bakery items, it came to $110 (plus tip). This may be reasonable for some, I guess it depends on location. Rhinebeck does tend to be expensive. They seemed to be somewhat busy with to-go orders. I guess it's one of those places you just have to check out, and decide for yourself! It's not a place I plan to return to. read more

The Matchbox Cafe - Burgers Near Me - Rhinebeck, New York

Very cozy and such an adorable spot. Love the fresh ingredients aspect that get sent in from far.

VEGAN BURGER Tasty to eat, yes, I'm grateful for the option. However, No Protein in the burger, only carbs and fat. See the ingredients. It's not a coherent vegan meal! It does not make sense. Fries were good, with extra ketchup. Service was good. Proprietor is a very nice man, had a stimulating & interesting conversation. Ambiance is interesting, in a good human way, see the pictures. Not just standard plastic, like the corporate franchises. Nice comfort food, for those who dine on meat, and cookies read more

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We have been trying to visit this place for the past 3 years and the wait was worth it. It's a small family-run cafe and the owner was really sweet. We tried their matchbox veggie farm burger which was great and their vegetarian lasagna which was outstanding. Portion size was huge for lasagna since it came with 6 slices of garlic bread. We were sitting near the parking since our daughter was sleeping in the car and the owner came to give the food to the parking. The view from the parking was so nice - there was some cool breeze and the trees on the farm in front of us were moving. read more

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Stopped in for lunch. Great friendly atmosphere . Chicken salad sandwich was perfect. Homemade fries .

I devoured the veggie burger and then I devoured the book! Best veggie burger I've ever had and the fries are something to write home about! PS : I don't like red velvet cake either! read more

The Matchbox Cafe - Buy the book! - Burgers Near Me - Rhinebeck, New York

Very cozy little place for lunch. You get a nice portion for the money. Something simple like a grilled chicken sandwich with fries always tastes great. We have been here a few times over the years and always had a good meal. You order with counter service, then they bring your meal to you when it is ready. It is located in a quirky older home and has a few tables and a counter inside. There is more seating outside. They also bake their baked goods--cookies, cakes, etc--in house. Worth a visit when you are in the area! read more

I don't understand how this place has so many good reviews. The food is overpriced, bland, and dry. Staff is so rude. Take your money elsewhere. read more

Been here many times over the years if you want a good meal in a small cozy place where all the employees are very friendly and nice this is the place for you to try. read more

Very disappointing. Food was over-priced and bad. French fries were dried out and stale. Seemed like they had been made hours earlier At lunchtime but were now being served at dinner. A mediocre lasagne was served (and reheated) at the restaurant in a plastic take-out container since the same item is available as a take-out meal. Our 2-entree meal, no additional sides or drinks, was $50. So many good restaurants in the area. We will not return here. read more

Well, I thought it would be great food for the price we paid which was steep, but we were ok since it had great reviews. We each had the chicken sandwich, mine sans dairy. Well, the seasoning was ok but it was DRY. No mayo, no sauce, nothing. And the bun was awful--hard with too many sesame seeds, so I didn't eat it. The fries were awesome though. For the price of the food I'd think it would be better quality. And it had so many darn cobwebs! Could use a good swiffering. read more

The Matchbox Cafe - No cheese - Burgers Near Me - Rhinebeck, New York

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This little place is a must! I was never so glad I missed breakfast in Chicago. Upon recommendation from a sweet patron who was finishing her lunch, my friend and I ordered the veggie burger, while another ordered the egg sandwich. You'll need to unhinge your jaw to fit one of the most mouth-watering uniquely divine "burger" alternative's, I've ever had! The egg sandwich looked equally intriguing, although she did not offer either of us a bite! Served with generous sides of fresh cut fries and friendly service, this place is not one to be missed. And did I mention what we took with us? Cookies that will put your mama to shame! Dense, buttery and full of goodies. I cannot recommend one over another. We got one of each and split them between us. Kitchen sink & Sugar might be slightly the favorite, but I wouldn't turn away any of the others. All made fresh, right there! read more

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Food is delicious! I had a large salad with grilled chicken. Sounds boring, but the chicken was so good! Husband had an excellent burger with fries that were super good. Great people/owners! Welcoming and very friendly. read more

You know you've had a good meal when it comes up again over coffee the next morning! For the vegetarians out there, the house-made veggie burger/sandwich is flavorful and satisfying. The garlic Mayo was such a great compliment for it as well. We ordered for takeout and while waiting had a nice talk with the friendly owner who also packed our food safe for travel so nothing was out of place when we arrived home. We will be definitely dining there again very soon! read more

The Matchbox Cafe - Veggie burger - Burgers Near Me - Rhinebeck, New York

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Burger is one of the best around here. When u bite into it the juice just flows out. Tasty fries, red velvet cake . Everything is homemade and the owners are so nice . Can't wait to go back !! read more

We got so lucky that we lost an argument with a family member who wanted to try the Matchbox. The burger with blue cheese was killer. Everyone was happy. The family run business has that old world comfort feel. It's like if you don't go out of your way to find it, it's your loss. The family also loves to chat and are quite witty read more

Great people run this awesome little cozy restaurant just south of the busy part ofRhinebeck. Walk there. Best French fries around. Great, Hardy sandwiches. Excellent local burger meat. Very good coffee too. read more

The Matchbox Cafe - Delicious chicken salad with avocado - Burgers Near Me - Rhinebeck, New York

The counter person was incredibly rude today because she felt overwhelmed. Snapped at me and told me to get out and wait outside. Really disappointing. It was my first time there. absolutely no space inside. way too crammed. Grilled cheese was soggy and stale tasting. Do not recommend. read more

Very cute place with a few tables and very clean. Nice owners and friendly service. They cook the food to order. The cheeseburger was a little dry. Next time, I'll ask for medium well. Well definitely try for lunch next time. read more

Place is great! Food is pricey, but worth it. We got a chicken salad sandwich and a meatloaf sandwich -- both very generous portions. Sam, the owner is the nicest guy. Highly recommended if you're ever in the area. read more

The food was very good. All fresh and seasoned well. The portions were substantial so you shouldn't leave hungry. We were so full we didn't sample any baked goods but I definitely would if we lived in the area. The owners are on site which usually matters. They were friendly and helpful with suggestions. We ate outside as the temperatures were very pleasant. Not a lot of indoor seating had that not been the case. But for us, we give it a big thumps up!! read more

What a wonderful hidden paradise. The food was spectacular and the cookies, absolutely amazing. This is definitely a hidden gem owned and operated by Joan who is is very funny and has great wit. I can not wait to visit again. read more

This little cafe has been on my to-do list for a while now, but we hadn't gotten the chance to try it. We were out antiquing and decided to stop in for a late lunch, and boy were we glad we did! Incredible, local sourced food! The burgers my two adult kids had were so tall that my daughter had to take three bites to get from top to bottom! Get everything on them including the sliced avocado, and add some of the garlic mayo from the fries too! We also tried the delicious blueberry pie and my son took home one of their pot pies for dinner during the week. Their cookies are huge! Try one of the butter sugar cookies...mmmm! We were so full we didn't go to dinner that night. We will definitely be back to try more! read more

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Adorable mini restaurant with Amazon eats and personable customer service to match. The fries are to die for! read more

The Matchbox Cafe - Burger - Burgers Near Me - Rhinebeck, New York

The Matchbox Cafe was an absolute delight for me and my friends on our way to upstate NY! We just wanted a simple spot for lunch and this place absolutely exceeded our expectations. I definitely recommend the chicken salad sandwich which was so fresh and delightful. The chicken salad was hearty and the lettuce and tomato was very fresh. I also added the optional bacon which elevated the sandwich even more. It was perfectly salty and added another layer of texture to the sandwich. The sandwich came with a side of chips which were good as well. My friends ordered a BLAT and their mac and cheese which they really liked as well. Service here was also great! We were warmly welcomed by the owner and were given a warm goodbye when we left as well. However, please note there's no bathroom on the premises. The owner did let us know that the hotel down the road would accommodate us if needed, however. Would definitely come back here again! read more

We love visiting Sam & Joanne in their Matchbox Café in Rhinebeck, NY. You just have to get coffee and cake from them sometime. They have rich conversations waiting for you. It's not a place where you feel ignored at all. And the food is worth it. It's small, intimate, lots of fun. They will do right by you. Bonus: Sam has a degree in chemistry...fascinating guy! And Joanne has written a book called Sorry We'reOpen...you can buy it there...ever worked in retail? You'll see yourself in its pages. Go, visit, eat, and Repeat! read more

The best secret in the Hudson Valley! We make a special trip from Poughkeepsie often to savor their incredible meals and to eat outside with the pup. We had the grilled chicken and chicken salad sandwiches. Both were off the charts. read more

The Matchbox Cafe - About to dig into the chicken salad! - Burgers Near Me - Rhinebeck, New York

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I'm neurodivergent and I have some particular food issues. I checked the menu and it said fried chicken on the weekends while available. Cool - I wasn't counting on it but it could be a fun option if we got there early enough. They had fries on the menu so I knew I could eat there. We get there, I ask if there is any fried chicken - blank stare from the owner with the cool glasses, then an Oh no we only do that in the summer. It does not say that on the menu or on the website - pretty easy fix imo. Nevertheless, I attempt to order the LARGE order of fries since I'm unable to go with anything else. No, I cannot have that because they are not going to hold up the frier line for 1 person/customer. I ended up with a 1/2 order of fries, the guy told me he tried to add more. They were good fries, I love it when they are still soft inside. I did end up eating a ton of my guys fries that came with his burger. My guy got the burger with bacon (extra $6!!!) and he seemed to like it. Update your website if you aren't going to update your menu, people like me comb through the info to find what we can and can't eat. read more

Sweet little road side cafe with outside bistro tables under a canopy of trees and picnic tables next to a garden and fountain. Limited inside seating - but even on a hot day it's pleasant outside in the shade. Friendly owners make you feel welcome and comfortable. My husband had a burger that he was very happy with and I had the best potato based veggie burger I ever had. Generous side of fries are big and natural cut - full of fresh potato flavor. A bit pricey ($50 for both with drinks) but can't really complain when food is good and it's a nice experience. Bought a giant chocolate peanut butter cookie to go (a steal at $4) that was rich and delicious. read more

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Absolutely delicious food! My husband got the shrimp po'boy, which he loved. J got the salad with grilled chicken and homemade veggie burger, which was the best veggie burger I've ever had! 10/10 dinner and will definitely be back! read more

Everything was so delicious and fresh! The service was amazing and we loved chatting with the owners. We had the challah French toast and the burger and will definitely be back! Highly recommend to all in the area! read more

The Matchbox Cafe - Burger and homemade fries - Burgers Near Me - Rhinebeck, New York

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Incredible tasting food! Quality and size of items are all way above average. The owners are always present and pleasant.

Such a cozy feeling when you walk into the restaurant. It has a small dining area, but it's worth to eat inside. Their burger was delicious and super juicy. Their fries are excellent and one of a kind. Their service was so sweet and kind. The owner came out and asked us how our meal was and told us why his fries are so delicious! I love coming here! read more

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We enjoyed a great chicken salad sandwich and fresh garden salad despite the fact that they had just lost power when we walked in. We will definitely be back to this charming gem. read more

Can't say enough good things about this place. Was considering something else on the menu but when I saw the burgers coming out of the kitchen I knew I had to score one. They did not disappoint. Hand cut fries! Outstanding! Wife had a grilled chicken salad with homemade dressing which she loved as well. Wish we saved room for dessert as there were lots on display that looked scrumptious. read more

The Matchbox Cafe - Burgers Near Me - Rhinebeck, New York

I could eat Matchbox every day of the week... and sometimes I do! I love everything on the menu; I get the sense that the food is genuinely made with love. I'm posting pictures from a recent to-go meal - just LOOK at the size of that chicken parm! And they have one of my favorite salads in town. A few other menu suggestions: real solid burger, BLT, grilled chicken sandwich, and lasagna! Lastly, the baked goods are to die for. Try them all!!! The owners are the nicest and friendliest people! Highly recommended! read more

The Matchbox Cafe - CHICKEN PARM LASAGNA AND HOUSE SALAD - Burgers Near Me - Rhinebeck, New York

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The food is very good and they give you very large portions. But frankly, I could do with human portions and not so ridiculously expensive. The meatloaf sandwich was HUGE. Who can eat that much ground beef at one sitting, plus french fries? It must be a day's worth of calories and fat. They charge almost the same for a chicken sandwich as they do for a Shrimp "Po Boy". That makes no sense. I just read in another review that they have no bathroom? Seriously? Now you know they have one......they are just not providing the paying customers (who are paying a lot) with bathroom facilities. Is it a restaurant or a gas station? I think that is tacky. Rhinebeck is a tourist town that is very full of itself. EVERYTHING is expensive. This place fits right in. Full of itself and very overpriced. You could get a better meal in Manhattan for less money. And we all know how expensive New York City can be. read more

Amazing service and hamburgers. Sam Cohen is a gem of an owner. You must stop next time you are in Rhinebeck. Best. Burgers. And. Fries. Ever. read more

Great veggie burger, fries and baked goods. Prices were a little steep but food was good. Do not pay attention to the reviews about rudeness, that has not been my nor my wife's experience. Owners were very pleasant and unlike other reviews, using the bathroom was not an issue at all. read more

Believe the hype! Good food does come from small restaurants. This tiny unassuming restaurant with the big reviews deserves every five star review it gets. The burger, voted one of the best in the Hudson Valley is phenomenal as is its vegetarian counterpart. The fries are not an afterthought. Actually, they vie for top billing! The service is friendly and attentive. The price is fair and reflective of the quality, except for the $6 up charge to add bacon. The dessert looks too good to pass up but alas it will need to wait until next time and there will be a next time! read more